experience
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experience
A special, often emotional event or experience that one has had and that leaves a strong impression.
Die Reise durch die Alpen war ein unvergessliches Erlebnis.
The trip through the Alps was an unforgettable experience.
The noun 'Erlebnis' (experience) is derived from the verb 'erleben' (to experience). An Erlebnis is therefore a single event that one has experienced. The ending '-nis' is often used to form nouns from verbs.
Was wir im Urlaub erlebt haben, war ein echtes Abenteuer.
What we experienced on vacation was a real adventure.
'Erlebnis' (experience) is very often combined with adjectives that describe the emotional impression. Typical examples are 'ein unvergessliches' (an unforgettable), 'ein einmaliges' (a unique), 'ein schönes' (a beautiful/nice), or also 'ein schreckliches' (a terrible) Erlebnis.
Die Wanderung bei Sonnenaufgang war ein einmaliges Erlebnis.
The hike at sunrise was a unique experience.
Common verbs used with 'Erlebnis' (experience) are 'ein Erlebnis haben' (to have an experience), 'von einem Erlebnis berichten' (to report/tell about an experience), or 'ein Erlebnis verarbeiten' (to process an experience).
Im Urlaub hatten wir viele tolle Erlebnisse.
On vacation, we had many great experiences.
experience
Erfahrung usually emphasizes knowledge or skills that have developed from lived experiences. Erlebnis refers more to the special, often emotional event itself and the strong impression it makes. Use Erfahrung when something has shaped you for the future, and Erlebnis when the event itself is the focus.
Die Reise durch mehrere Länder war für sie ein unvergessliches Erlebnis.
Traveling through several countries was an unforgettable experience for her.
Die Reise durch mehrere Länder hat ihr viel Erfahrung im Umgang mit fremden Kulturen gegeben.
Traveling through several countries gave her a great deal of experience in dealing with foreign cultures.
